The apostle Paul was never one to mince words. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit he had a knack for writing concise, memorable quips mixed in with his more lengthy doctrinal arguments. The following list of 66 “one-liners” are taken, in order of appearance, from each of the thirteen New Testament epistles that are known to be of Pauline authorship. Each stands by itself as a useful saying as well as fitting in with the context of Paul’s larger theme. Many do not represent complete verses, but each represents a complete thought. This list is by no means exhaustive.
- Professing to be wise, they became fools. Romans 1:22
- And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them over to a debased mind. Romans 1:28
- Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Romans 8:8
- If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
- I am speaking the truth in Christ — I am not lying Romans 9:1
- Note then the kindness and the severity of God. Romans 11:22
- Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
- So then each of us will give an account of himself to God Romans 14:12
- Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? 1Cor 1:13
- Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 1Cor 1:20
- For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk, but in power. 1Cor 4:20
- Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? 1Cor 6:2
- Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. 1Cor 8:1
- If anyone thinks he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. 1Cor 8:2
- But if anyone loves God, he is known by God. 1Cor 8:3
- Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? 1Cor 9:7
- I do not box as one beating the air. 1Cor 9:26
- Let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. 1Cor 10:12
- Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor. 1Cor 10:24
- Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1Cor 11:1
- Does not nature itself teach you that it is shameful for a man to have long hair? 1Cor 11:14
- If we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. 1Cor 11:31
- Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. 1Cor 12:1
- I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 1Cor 14:18
- Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. 1Cor 14:20
- All things should be done decently and in order. 1Cor 14:40
- The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 1Cor 15:26
- Act like men, be strong. 1Cor 16:13
- Let all that you do be done in love. 1Cor 16:14
- All the promises of God find their “Yes” in Him. 2Cor 1:20
- We walk by faith not by sight. 2Cor 5:7
- For the love of Christ controls us. 2Cor 5:14
- If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2Cor 5:17
- What accord has Christ with Belial? 2Cor 6:15
- God loves a cheerful giver. 2Cor 9:7
- I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. 2Cor 12:15
- Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? Gal 4:16
- I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves! Gal 5:12
- If you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Galatians 5:18
- Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. Galatians 6:7
- And you were dead in your trespasses and sins. Eph 2:1
- That is not the way you learned Christ! Eph 4:20
- Make the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Eph 5:16
- Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ. Phil 1:27
- Do all things without grumbling or disputing. Phil 2:14
- Our citizenship is in heaven. Phil 3:20
- I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phil 4:13
- For in Him the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily. Col 2:9
- For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. Col 3:3
- On account of these the wrath of God is coming. Col 3:6
- Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. Col 3:23
- God has not destined us for wrath. 1Thess 5:9
- Pray without ceasing. 1Thess 5:17
- Do not despise prophecies. 1Thess 5:18
- I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers. 1Thess 5:27
- They are perishing because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 2Thess 2:10
- Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false. 2Thess 2:11
- If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 2Thess 3:10
- The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart, and a sincere faith and a good conscience. 1Tim 1:5
- If we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1Tim 6:8
- Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 2Tim 2:3
- Understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2Tim 3:1
- All who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 2Tim 3:12
- All Scripture is God-breathed and profitable. 2Tim 3:16
- They profess to know God, but deny Him by their deeds. Titus 1:16
- I will pay it back — not to mention that you owe me your very self. Philemon 1:19